Monday, March 5, 2012

Carrier of the Mark

Review Time! Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon was another one of the 2011 left behinds. I intended to read the debut last year but there was so much to read and so little time, I just never got round to it! Luckily I managed to squeeze it into February so now I can review it for everyone else! ;) Thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Their love was meant to be. 

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. 

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.


The Short Story? - Nothing like Twilight. Next time you meet anyone who says "Carrier of the Mark is like Twilight" tell them "Badass Bookie says you're a moron". Carrier of the Mark is a beautifully written debut with an extraordinary plot and wonderful characters. Fantastic characterisation and culturally enriching, Fallon has written a remarkable paranormal romance to be enjoyed by all!

The Long Story? - Comparing Carrier of the Mark to Twilight is like comparing McDonalds to a three course gourmet meal. Firstly just so EVERYONE understands - Twilight did not INVENT the "forbidden love plot" hence do not compare every "forbidden love plot" book to Twilight! Carrier of the Mark wasn't perfect but it doesn't deserve to be compared to Twilight ( unless you're looking at it through a positive light). The novel has an extraordinary plot with a unique setting. I loved how Fallon weaved celtic myths with fiction. Not only is it culturally enriching, it's enjoyable as well! The novel started out really well, I loved the plot and the complex idea of "Carrier of the Mark" and how it's related to all the the elements. My only "complaint" is that I thought the ending was rather an anticlimax ( like Twilight) - there was this huge build up and I expected a huge showdown and when it didn't happen I was left a little bit disappointed. Nevertheless, very enjoyable - Fallon writes beautifully!

 Same goes with characterisation. Adam isn't a sparkly vampire - I ACTUALLY like him and Megan is a fantastic protagonist who can stick up for herself and well, let's just say she doesn't whine. I adored Megan as a character, she had a sense of humour, she was sweet without being too sweet, she could stick up for herself and she could make her own decisions. Adam was a huge sweetie, I can't help but picture him as the perfect boyfriend - all chivalry and caring! However the one who stole my heart was Rian! Rian is Adam's brother and he completely nails the "bad boy" role and you know what? I'm a sucker for the bad boys... Overall, fantastic characterisation and again - nothing like Twilight!

In a nutshell - Carrier of the Mark was a pleasure to read! With fantastic characters and a wonderful plot, Fallon has written a remarkable debut that I enjoyed cover to cover! I can't wait to see what the sequel brings because I need another fix of the brilliant romance and Rian ;) Exciting, captivating and original - Carrier of the Mark is not to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

6 comments:

  1. Just discovered your blog :) I think this is the first positive review I've read of this book, I'd already decided I wouldn't bother reading this but I might give it a go now!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Adam's a vampire?? Well that was surprising....I just can't get myself to finish this book ..


    Krazyyme @ Young Readers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Krazyyme,

      ADAM ISN'T A VAMPIRE! Definitely not a vampire! If that came through in my review - I must have done something wrong but definitely not a VAMPIRE! :)

      Badass Bookie xx

      Delete
  3. I love that I have found someone who reads YA paranormal romance who realises that the forbidden love plot wasn't created by Twilight. I mean, in the actual pages of Twilight Meyer has them reading Romeo and Juliet to point out that she is trying to write a Romeo and Juliet story. And Shakespeare wasn't the ultimate creator of that either, you can go back to the Trojan War and see Paris and Helen and the ten year war that resluted out of their forbidden love. and i bet that wasn't the first story, it's just the earliest I can think of right now. Ooops, went off on a rant there.
    Anyway, want to hug you for recognising that and want to read this book now too. To the bookstore!

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Badass Bookie says you're a moron" LOL! Glad to hear a positive review. Similar to Twilight doesn't mean the same, and it certainly doesn't mean bad. I've got this on order from the library and since your review, am really looking forward to giving it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's not the forbidden romance element that reminded me of Twilight. I LOVE TWILIGHT. But Bella Swan, honey, you need a bit more personality. And so does Megan. Then there's the way Megan and Adam are drawn together, which felt so cliched.

    I did love the mythology, though. I just didn't think the story was very exceptional. I felt like I had seen it all before.

    "Badass Bookie says you're a moron" XDD

    Asher

    ReplyDelete